Ozzy Agu and Oreka Godis hosted the beautiful evening that also featured American novelist, David Eggers; founder of the Ake Book Festival, Lola Shoneyin and medical doctor turned writer, Eghosa Imasuen, all of whom also served as coaches during the workshop.
“It’s been heart-warming to watch participants evolve in just 10 days,” began the author in a speech at the occasion. “There’s nothing more humanizing, and there’s nothing more stereotype-challenging than to meet actual people from parts of the country that you don’t know very much about. It challenges you to hear their stories and to realize that their stories are nothing like the stereotypes you are carrying in your head. I feel very grateful for this workshop for educating me,” added the author who thanked the faculty, participants and partners.
Managing Director of Trace TV and Venator Partners Ltd, Sam Onyemelukwe, expressed the organisation’s happiness with the partnership with Chimamanda, especially in changing the narratives about Nigeria and Africa in the mainstream media as well as the stereotypes associated with women and writing as a profession. He added that Trace’s core mission to entertain, enlighten, and educate youths, informed their partner with the writer.
At the end of the evening attended by Chimamanda’s husband, Ivara Esege; mother, Mrs Grace Ifeoma Adichie, and sister, participants were given certificates while rappers Phyno and Zoro provided musical entertainment.
Previously called The Farafina Trust, the Purple Hibiscus Trust Creative Writing Workshop has spanned a decade, producing over 200 alumni; many of whom have become published writers and editors.
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